Abstract/Book Review

In 2006-2007 in England and Wales, 87,200 women were arrested for violence against another person, compared to 400,900 men (Ministry of Justice 2008d). The ratio of male to female homicide in England and Wales has remained stable at about 10:1 in recent years (Home Office 2006b). Around 80% of all violent offences in the UK are committed by males (Home Office 2004b). However, recent statistics suggest that overall numbers of male and female perpetrators of violent crimes against another person are increasing, compared to other offences (Ministry of Justice 2008d). Also, the proportion of recorded domestic violence incidents in which the offender is female has increased significantly in recent years (Home Office 2004b). This chapter discusses the imprisonment of women in the UK, including the topics: (1) UK profile of women prisoners; (2) HMP Holloway; (3) psychiatric presentations in women; (4) women and violence; and (5) forensic issues of particular relevance to women in prison. The chapter concludes with a discussion of policy and future developments of the topic.